ST MIRREN manager Tony Fitzpatrick last night freed four players and faces contract talks with 11 first-team men.
Experienced duo Wayne Foster and Stuart Munro have been released, along with youngsters Fraser Love and Chris Pollock.
Fitzpatrick who already faces losing Ricky Gillies and Martin Baker, said: ''We're still waiting to find out what's happening with Ricky as regards Liverpool and Newcastle, and there's also an English club interested in Martin.
''If we get a transfer fee in for Ricky then perhaps a small part of that money could go to bringing in a player, but at the moment we can't even afford to bring in a free transfer.
''I've stuck by the youth policy because I believe it's the future of the club.''
q Dundee United striker Steven Thompson has been called into the Scotland under-19 squad for the Toulon tournament in France.
The powerful 18-year-old, who helped United win the Scottish Youth League and is being tipped for an early breakthrough to the first team, is in as a replacement for Dundee's Jerry O'Driscoll, who has opted to seek international honours with the Irish Republic.
Meanwhile, United are to meet Aston Villa at Tannadice on Sunday, August 20. It will be their final warm-up before the first leg of their UEFA Cup preliminary-round tie. United expect to be in Sweden for three or four games before returning to face Villa.
q HOMELESS Hamilton could stay for another season at Cliftonhill, where work is well under way for the new campaign. The pitch is being reseeded and stadium improve-ments will be made if Accies wish to return.
General manager John Reynolds said: ''Negotiations are under way and we're hopeful something will be worked out. We would hope to have Hamilton back next season.''
Hamilton applied for the use of Fir Park but, having secured survival in the premier division, Motherwell will run a reserve side next term and do not want their pitch overused. A board meeting is due for Motherwell on Thursday although an announcement will not be made until Accies return from an end-of-season break in Spain.
q AIRDRIE'S play-off second leg against Hibs at Broadwood on Thursday is an 8000 all-ticket sell-out. The Lanarkshire side are 1-0 down from Saturday's first leg at Easter Road.
q MONTROSE are set to name veteran midfielder Innes McDonald as player-manager. q CELTIC teenager Charlie McGuinness, who last Wednesday scored the first goal in the club's BP Scottish Youth Cup triumph, is one of five free transfers. Kevin Queen, who was a substitute in that final, also leaves along with Kevin Gilligan, Kevin Joyce, and Peter Davies.
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